27/10/2025
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How many times have you heard the comment 'I don't need a show dog' to explain why buyers will forgo a Dogs Australia registered breeder and choose a backyard or farm bred Border Collie?
In truth, the *vast* majority of Border Collie puppies born from show lines are destined for pet homes, and this is something that most breeders actively factor into their plans, knowing that they will usually have more puppies than they intend to keep. Campaigning a 'show dog' is how breeders ensure that their breeding program aligns with the health and purpose of the breed - they do this by taking their dog in with other examples of the breed to be judged against the Breed Standard, which sets out exactly what characteristics, temperament and appearance they should be displaying.
For this reason, breeders will usually only keep the best puppy from a litter to be shown and potentially included in their future breeding program - ensuring that for each generation, they are essentially committing to ongoing quality checks from an external, unbiased party which has the end result of contributing to the overall health and development of the breed. Sometimes for a variety of reasons (changing plans, lack of room, small faults/undesirable characteristics or even a litter of boys when they wanted a girl) a breeder won't keep any puppies from a litter - and another one to eight or more well-bred, high quality dogs who are a result of years of careful research, planning and care go off and live their best lives in pet homes!
Breeders are aware of the number of backyard or farm bred dogs being churned out and will also plan litters specifically to cater to the demand from the public for a puppy. Instead of operating for profit however, they do this knowing that whilst they can't ethically or responsibly provide enough for everyone, they can at least play their part in ensuring there are also healthy, well-bred puppies available throughout the year. Despite having a large number of readily available high quality black and white puppies, these are often overlooked in favour of other colours and multiple show breeders are currently actively working towards including different colours in their lines to ensure that they are producing high quality, healthy, coloured dogs as an alternative to the puppies historically being produced indiscriminately from lines with known health issues. The end result in future generations will be a greater ability to meet the demand for various colours and less risk of conditions that are currently prevalent in less reputable lines, particularly when those less reputable breeders inevitably purchase the show line dogs to continue their own operations.
Cost is often quoted as the most significant factor when considering a puppy from an ethical, reputable breeder in comparison to a backyard or farm bred dog. The idea of a 'show' dog can often compound this concern; however on that note we encourage people to consider that the price for a Dogs Australia registered pedigree Border Collie puppy right now averages around $3,000-$3,500 whilst a quick Gumtree search lists multiple litters with limited or incorrect information, unknown ancestry or listed through 'alternative' registries, and even cross-breeds at $2,000. Some buyers may decide not to wait on a reputable breeder's list and instead purchase an immediately available dog from elsewhere, or will overlook a top quality black and white pedigree puppy then pay extra for a particular colour or pattern despite all puppies costing the same to raise, and all colours being permissible in the breed standard meaning that none can be considered 'rare' or undesirable.
Whilst we acknowledge that cost is an important part of all decisions in life, it is imperative that buyers consider another factor above financial outlay - the most important consideration when choosing a breeder is their ongoing commitment to the health of the dogs and the breed. This is where breeding to the standard and the ongoing pursuit of perfection stands reputable breeders head and shoulders above the rest. They don't just breed their two (or more) pet or working dogs together - they know their lines inside and out, they research, network, DNA test, hip and elbow score, plan, import semen from interstate or overseas, go back and do other tests as they become available, ensure their dogs and puppies receive the best possible care and if an issue arises, they also make the heartbreaking decision to shut lines down to safeguard future generations. When you buy a puppy from a breeder like this, you're not 'paying too much' - you're getting a return on your investment.
A puppy from show or other reputable pet or performance lines will be predictable, from height and weight through to temperament and grooming requirements. The breed standard requires them to be well proportioned to ensure they are capable of enduring long periods of active duty in their intended task as a working sheep dog - therefore the myth that a show dog can't work is exactly that - a myth. The standard exists as the guideline for all breeders and the basic structure of the Border Collie outlined within was developed first and foremost with the knowledge that the Border Collie was and is renowned as the world's greatest sheepdog.
True ‘working line’ Border Collies registered through working dog associations or kindred bodies recognised by Dogs Australia such as the Australian Sheepdog Workers Association, Australian Working Border Collie, South Australian Working Sheepdog Association, American Border Collie Association (ABCA) and the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) are able to compete in Dogs Australia events on the Sporting Register, however these breeders are usually very clear about their dogs’ suitability for pet homes with regard to their targeted breeding for working ability.
If you would like to learn more about the Border Collie Breed Standard and why we only recommend breeders who are registered with Dogs Australia, members of the Border Collie Club and committed to the ongoing health and wellbeing of the breed, you can visit BCCSA.org.au/breed-information or BCCSA.org.au/choosing-a-breeder
